After battling their way back to Earth, the crew of the SDF-1 must learn to cope with a new set of rules imposed by a bureaucracy with little understanding of the grave threat that faces the entire world. Eventually, the h... more &raquoorrors of war are brutally realized as heroes are forced to make the ultimate sacrifice...Add to this the growing tensions romantic and otherwise, between several key characters and therein lays the makings of classic science fiction melodrama that defines Robotech.&laquo less

Movie Reviews

Slowly Building Up to a Crescendo...You Can't Lose!!!

Mr. JKW | Honolulu, Hawai'i | 08/16/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Robotech - The Macross Saga 3: Homecoming, contains episodes 13 through 18 of the legendary anime series from the mid 1980s.For the uninitiated, Robotech was the most popular of the Americanized Japanese anime series to hit American TV waves during the 1970s and 1980s (along with Star Blazers, Voltron, Transor Z, etc.) Known for its cutting edge animation, high tech battle scenes, futuristic weapons (planes, tanks, motorcyles that transform into robots), cool alien invaders, and realistic and compelling storylines, Robotech swept an entire generation and helped put Japanese Anime forever on the map of American pop culture.Set in the 21st century, Robotech's sweeping saga spanned three seasons and weaved together three actual separate Japanese anime series: Season 1- The Macross Saga, Season 2 - The Robotech Masters (The Southern Cross in Japan), and Season 3 - The New Generation (Mospeada in Japan). The basic story premise is that the earth became forever changed when a mysterious alien battleship crashed on earth. The people of the world, now knowing that they are not alone in the universe, end all wars and unite to understand and assimilate the advanced technology and prepare for the inevitable alien invasion that is sure to come. As the story unfolds mankind would go on to battle three separate alien races over the next three seasons. The sweeping intergalactic war saga itself though, merely becomes the backdrop of a more deeper "human" saga.This volume chronicles adventures from the first season - The Macross Saga. At this part in the story, the storyline is still slowly building up, intricately creating and interweaving several plotlines, while still incorporating great action and drama, all culminating in the tragic events of episode 18. Here are the episodes featured on this DVD:Episode 13 - Bluewind: Vermillion Group returns to the SD-F1 with a heroes welcome. It's a race against time as the Zentraedi renegade Khyron renews his attack. Can they make it back to earth before Khyron destroys them? Plus, the Zentraedi infiltrators begin their study of "Micronian" culture. Episode 14- Gloval's Report: Recap of the events till date as Gloval files his report to the Earth Government recounting the events of the past year.Episode 15 - Homecoming: Gloval and Lisa report to the Earth government calling for peace negotiations and receive an answer (and orders) they do not want to hear. Plus, Rick escorts Minmei home to Japan to see her family where we're introduced to her cousin, Lynn Kyle.Episode 16 - Battle Cry: The citizens of Macross City become upset over their situation. Rick is injured as Khyron attacks. Also, more misadventures with the spies as Minmei's career skyrockets!!!Episode 17 - Phantasm: As his body struggles for life, Rick slips into a delirium, reliving a warped version of his past as he struggles over his feelings for the two women in his life, Lynn Minmei and Lisa Hayes.Episode 18 - Farewell, Big Brother: Rick recovers in the hospital while Lisa struggles with her feelings over Rick. Ace Zentraedi pilot Miriam meets her match in Max Sterling. The Zentraedi spies continue their study of earth culture. Plus, tragedy befalls our heroes as one of their greatest champions goes down. Incidentally, these volumes DO NOT have special DVD features (aside from trailer ads for other anime series coming out on DVD from ADV). While on its own this may be considered a crime, not to fear. If you purchase the boxed set collections, each boxed set collection will come with an "Extra: Elements of Robotechnology" DVD special which will contain all the DVD special features you could want: interviews, trailers, commercial spots, specs, etc... So by all means, get the boxed set if you are planning on buying.I am personally very happy that ADV and Harmony Gold have finally released this series on DVD. This is BY FAR one of my favorite cartoons from childhood. If you've never seen Robotech, simply put YOU MUST. The action and the drama are compelling, clearly showing why Robotech became a pop culture hit. It is the series that forever put Japanese anime on the map in the US. If you did grew up with Robotech, give these a watch again. They're great for a trip down memory lane. Honestly, watching these episodes now I can honestly say that they are better than I remember. You can't lose!!!Highest Recommendation"

The War Wages On

madnessmark | Maple Grove, MN | 07/22/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"As the battle rages on, the fight between the SDF-1 and the Zentradi continues on to Earth. The following episodes include:Blue Wind: The SDF-1 make a break for Earth during battle.Gloval's Report: Captain Gloval gives a report on the SDF-1's past events.Homecoming: While Rick takes Minmei to see her parents in Japan, Lisa Hayes and Gloval give their report to the Earth Federation.Battle Cry: When Minmei's cousin, Lynn Klye, joins the SDF-1, chaos ensues when the citizens of SDF-1 can not leave the ship. And that pails in comparisson when the Zentradi attack.Phantasm: When Rick is downed by the Datalus attack, he dreams about Minmei and Lisa. Very confusing episode.Goodbye Big Brother: When Rick awakes, the SDF-1 is under attack by Mirya's squadron. And one pilot will lose his life.The only episode where the dub doesn't seem to work is Phantasm. The plot gets confusing and sometimes just stupid during that episode. The famous "magical flying bicylce" line included. Anyway, all the other episodes are extremely good with an exception for the flash back episode, Gloval's Report. Overall, another great volume, worth every buck."

Robotech was the Best Cartoon on TV

David Machado | Santa Clara, CA United States | 08/08/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Robotech was the best cartoon on TV when I was a kid. I tried to record them but I never got home in time to catch the beginning. The best thing they did was release these again on DVD. I have the first 2 DVDs, just ordered the next 2, and planning on getting the rest when they are released."